Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Social Science Practice Test

How can the methods of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. be best described?

1. Nonviolent defiance of segregation

2. A series of petitions to Congress

3. Armed violence against police

4. A series of speaking engagements in Northern cities

The correct answer is: Nonviolent defiance of segregation

The methods of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. can be best described as nonviolent defiance of segregation because he was a staunch advocate for peaceful resistance as a means to achieve civil rights and social justice. King firmly believed that nonviolent protest was not only a moral imperative but also an effective strategy for enacting social change. His approach combined civil disobedience and peaceful demonstrations, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, emphasizing love, understanding, and reconciliation over hostility and violence. This philosophy of nonviolence was inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and was rooted in his Christian beliefs, aiming to confront systemic injustices while maintaining dignity and respect for all individuals involved, even those opposing the movement. This approach ultimately galvanized public support and led to significant legislative changes regarding civil rights in the United States.